Ridden vehicle with hybrid power system

ABSTRACT

A motorcycle having at least one seat and at least two wheels, an internal combustion engine, a generator, and a rechargeable battery configured to be recharged by the internal combustion engine or generator, an electric motor electrically connected to the rechargeable battery and configured to drive at least one of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, and an electronic controller configured to start the internal combustion engine based upon a monitored condition of the rechargeable battery.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/582,816, filed on Jan. 3, 2012, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/582,817, filed on Jan. 3, 2012,which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to ridden vehicles, namely, motorizedscooters, motorcycles, and other ridden vehicles, and more particularlyto a ridden vehicle having a hybrid power system.

Vehicles to be ridden such as motorized scooters, motorcycles,three-wheeled vehicles, and four wheeled vehicles, such as all-terrainvehicles, have limited space to accommodate the components needed topower the vehicle. Efficient packaging of the vehicle's components isnecessary to maintain the desired size of the ridden vehicle. In priorsystems, placement of the fuel tank has been particularly challengingbecause of the need to connect the fuel tank to the engine, and the needto access the fuel tank for refueling.

Prior ridden vehicles having an electric or hybrid power system haveutilized several different configurations each of which possess severaldrawbacks. In some prior designs, a low cost lead acid battery has beenused; however, such batteries have limited power, extremely limitedrange and very limited battery durability. In other designs, higher costchemistry batteries such as lithium-ion have been employed; howeverthese batteries are expensive and may also have limited range. Yet otherdesigns have employed an internal combustion engine and an electricmotor to alternatively drive the wheels; however these designs arecomplicated by double and integrated controls and transmissionsnecessary to transition the drive system between the two motor types,increasing the cost of manufacture. Electric ridden vehicles having alimited range and hybrid ridden vehicles having a complicated and costlypower system have detracted from the adaption of ridden vehicles. Thereremains a need in the art for a ridden vehicle that is electricallypowered, but reasonably priced and with a long range of travel. Thepresently disclosed ridden vehicle provides such a solution.

Presently disclosed is a motorized ridden vehicle comprising at leastone seat and at least two wheels; an electric motor adapted to drive atleast one of the wheels of the ridden vehicle; at least one rechargeablebattery electrically connected to the electric motor and adapted topower the electric motor; a generator adapted to charge the rechargeablebattery; an internal combustion engine adapted to drive the generator;and an electronic controller adapted to control operation of theinternal combustion engine based upon monitoring a condition of therechargeable battery. In various embodiments, the motorized riddenvehicle may be a motorized scooter, a motorcycle, a three-wheeled riddenvehicle, a four-wheeled ridden vehicle, a snowmobile or any other riddenvehicle. In some embodiments, a ridden vehicle may be a vehicle adaptedto be mounted by the rider or passenger, typically with one leg eitherside of the ridden vehicle, such as with a motorcycle, or, alternativelyin a seated position above the engine, such as with a scooter.

Also disclosed is a motorcycle comprising a seat adapted to support atleast one rider; a frame adapted to support the seat and the engineduring operation of the motorcycle, the frame comprising a front frameportion having a steering head, a rear frame portion adapted to supportthe seat and the engine, and a connecting frame portion connecting thefront frame portion and the rear frame portion and to support a footrest for a rider; an electric motor positioned below the seat andadapted to drive at least one wheel of the motorcycle; at least onerechargeable battery electrically connected to the electric motor andadapted to provide power to the electric motor; a generator adapted toprovide electrical charge to the rechargeable batteries; an internalcombustion engine adapted to drive the generator, and a fuel tankintegrated with the frame and adapted to store fuel for operation of theengine to drive a generator.

In the various embodiments, the internal combustion engine may becontrolled to maintain operation of the engine in an efficiency rangefor the engine. In other embodiments, the rotational velocity of theinternal combustion engine may vary, as desired, to provide additionalelectric power to operate the motorcycle in response to a monitoredcondition of the rechargeable battery. In further embodiments, whenadditional power is desired to operate the motorcycle, the electricmotor draws power from the electric battery in addition to the internalcombustion engine and generator. The rechargeable battery may compriseof a single rechargeable battery or may be comprised of multiplerechargeable batteries disposed through the ridden vehicle.

In some embodiments, the ridden vehicle may further comprise anelectronic controller adapted to start the internal combustion enginebased upon a condition of the rechargeable battery, such as a chargelevel, or rate of discharge, of the rechargeable battery. In otherembodiments, when the rechargeable battery is depleted to a predefinedlevel, the electronic controller may be adapted to detect that therechargeable battery has been depleted to the predefined level and alsoadapted to start the internal combustion engine which is configured topower a generator adapted to recharge the battery and additionally, oralternatively, provide power to the electric motor. In furtherembodiments, the ridden vehicle may comprise an electronic controlleradapted to start the internal combustion engine based upon a rate ofdischarge of the rechargeable battery. The controller may be adapted todetermine when the charge in the battery is being discharged in excessof a predefined rate indicating that the battery is under an increasedload. In response to detecting that the battery is being discharged inexcess of the predefined rate, the controller may further be adapted tostart the internal combustion engine configured to drive a generatoradapted to charge the rechargeable battery and additionally, oralternatively, provide power to the electric motor.

Where the ridden vehicle comprises an electric motor and an internalcombustion engine, the electric motor and internal combustion engine maybe stacked below the seat of the motorcycle. In some embodiments theinternal combustion engine may be positioned above the electric motor.Additionally, or in the alternative, the rechargeable battery may bepositioned below the seat of the motorcycle.

In some embodiments the ridden vehicle may comprise a fuel tankintegrated with the frame and adapted to store fuel for operation of theengine. The frame may further comprise at least one tubular portionhousing a fuel line extending from the fuel tank through the at leastone tubular portion to the engine, and the frame may be adapted toprovide torsional support for the frame. The fuel storage capacity ofthe integrated fuel tank may be between 2 and 15 liters. In otherembodiments the fuel storage capacity of the integrated fuel tank may bein excess of 15 liters.

In some embodiments, the ridden vehicle may have an electric motorproducing in excess of 200 horsepower, or 400 horsepower. In otherembodiments the electric motor may produce in excess of 150 horsepower.In further embodiments the electric motor powered by both the internalcombustion engine and generator, and the rechargeable battery mayproduce in excess of 200 horsepower.

In some embodiments, the fuel tank may provide torsional support for theframe. The frame of the ridden vehicle may also include at least onehollow section, and the fuel tank is in fluid communication with theinternal combustion engine, here preferably, through at least one hollowsection of the frame. In addition, the hollow section of the frame maybe configured to store fuel for the internal combustion engine and maybe adapted to be in direct fluid communication with the internalcombustion engine. In some embodiments, the frame has at least onetubular portion housing a fuel line extending from the fuel tank throughthe at least one tubular portion to the engine.

The internal combustion engine, of embodiments described herein, may beadapted to provide a drive for the ridden vehicle, and the engine mayhave a displacement of at least 100 cubic centimeters or at least 150cubic centimeters. In other embodiments, the engine may have adisplacement between 100 and 500 cubic centimeters. In furtherembodiments, the internal combustion engine may have a displacement of300 cubic centimeters.

In another embodiment, the ridden vehicle includes a rechargeablebattery configured to be supported by the frame and to be recharged bygenerated power by the internal combustion engine, and an electric motorelectrically supported by the frame and connected to the rechargeablebattery and adapted to provide a drive for the ridden vehicle. Theinternal combustion engine used to recharge the rechargeable battery mayhave a displacement of no more than 1,000 cubic centimeters, between 50and 250 cubic centimeters, or approximately 2 cubic centimeters invarious embodiments. The rechargeable battery may be a lithium-ionbattery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particularembodiments and further benefits of the invention are illustrated asdescribed in more detail in the description below, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame for a ridden vehicle, being ascooter;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a ridden vehicle, being a scooter; and,

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a ridden vehicle, being ascooter;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a ridden vehicle, being amotorcycle, having a hybrid drive system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of a ridden vehicle having a fuel tank integrated with thevehicle frame are presently disclosed. The integrated fuel tank isillustrated in the context of a motorized scooter, however, the riddenvehicle with integrated fuel tank may also be used with other riddenvehicles such as motorcycles, mopeds, three-wheeled vehicles,four-wheeled vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, and other vehiclesconfigured to be ridden, such as snow mobiles or personal watercraft(i.e. jet skis).

In the various embodiments, a vehicle includes a seat configured to beridden and an internal combustion engine. The vehicle also includes aframe configured to support the seat and the engine during operation ofthe vehicle. The frame includes a front frame portion having a steeringhead, a rear frame portion configured to support at least the seat andthe internal combustion engine, and a lower frame portion connecting thefront frame portion and the rear frame portion. The vehicle alsoincludes a fuel tank integrated with the frame configured to store fuelfor the vehicle. In an embodiment, the fuel tank is disposed within thefront frame portion below the steering head.

Referring to FIG. 1, a frame for a ridden vehicle in the form of amotorized scooter is illustrated. In one embodiment, the frame 1 isconstructed of hollow tubes that provide structural support for thecomponents, such as the seat, engine and steering mechanism, of amotorized scooter. Additionally or alternatively, the frame may includeone or more structural members other than hollow tubes, such as struts 7which may provide diagonal bracing for portions of the frame. The frame1 may include one or more seat mounts, such as first seat mount 8 andsecond seat mount 9, for securing one or more seats to the frame for therider and a passenger. The shape and configuration of the frame 1 may beselected for the specific configuration of the ridden vehicle and mayinclude additional portions for storage compartments or the attachmentof peripheral devices as is known. In an embodiment, the frame 1 for amotorized scooter may include a triangular front frame portionconnecting a steering head 3 to the lower frame tubes 4, 5. The lowerframe tubes 4,5 connect the front frame portion to the rear frameportion which supports the passenger seat and engine. A motorizedscooter may also have floorboards (not shown) supported above the lowerframe tubes 4,5, on which a passenger's feet may rest when riding thevehicle.

The steering head 3 is configured to connect to a steering mechanism forthe ridden vehicle. In various embodiments, the steering mechanism (notshown) is rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle. The steeringmechanism may include handle bars, such as commonly used on scooters andmotorcycles, but may also include a steering wheel or other device forsteering the vehicle. In each configuration, the steering mechanism issupported by steering head 3, which is supported by the frame 1 of thevehicle.

The ridden vehicle further includes a fuel tank 2 supported orintegrated with the frame 1 for storing fuel, such as gasoline. In anembodiment, the fuel tank 2 is a hollow structure connecting thesteering head 3 to the lower frame portion. The fuel tank 2 includes afiller tube 6. The filler tube 6 may be a short section of tubeextending from the tank 2 or may be internal to the tank. In eachembodiment, the removable cap or cover may be provided to seal thefiller tube 6 when the ridden vehicle is in operation. The filler tube 6is positioned to enable the ridden vehicle to be refueled from the frontportion of the vehicle while a rider remains on the vehicle. Incontrast, prior systems have placed the fuel tank and filler tube underthe seat or between the rider's legs requiring the rider to dismount thevehicle during refueling operations.

In each embodiment, the fuel tank 2 may be integrated with the frame 1such that the fuel tank 2, itself, provides structural support to theframe and supports the steering head 3. In some embodiments, the fueltank occupies substantially the entire triangular front portion of theframe of a ridden vehicle such as a motorized scooter. In an embodiment,the fuel tank provides torsional support to the front frame portion ofthe vehicle to inhibit twisting or turning the front frame portion. Thefuel tank may also provide lateral support to the lower frame tubes 4,5.In addition or alternatively, the frame may include a lattice, webbingor other cross bracing to further support the front portion of the frameconnecting the steering head to the lower frame tubes 4,5.

The capacity of the supported or integrated fuel tank may be selectedbased upon the specifications of the ridden vehicle. For many lightweight vehicles, such as motorized scooters, a fuel capacity of betweentwo liters and six liters will be sufficient to provide a desiredoperating range for the ridden vehicle. In an embodiment, the integratedfuel tank has a storage capacity of four liters (or approximately onegallon). In other embodiments, of the ridden vehicle being a scooter,the capacity of the fuel tank may be increased by extending the fueltank under the floorboards and along the lower frame tubes 4,5. In anembodiment, the fuel tank, of a ridden vehicle being a scooter, issubstantially L-shaped extending down the front portion of the frame andtransitioning approximately 90 degrees to extend along at least aportion of the lower frame tubes 4,5. The portion of the fuel tank underthe floorboards may be secured to the lower frame tubes 4,5, or may beintegrally formed with the tubes 4,5. In this manner, the capacity ofthe fuel tank may be increased.

In such embodiments, the fuel tank 2 may be integrated with the frame 1such that the fuel tank provides structural support for the vehicle. Theframe and integrated fuel tank may be formed in a variety of methods. Inone example, the frame and integrated fuel tank are formed of multiplediscrete pieces and welded together to complete the frame assembly. Inanother embodiment, the frame and fuel tank are constructed separatelyand then joined together during the manufacturing process to form theintegrated fuel tank presently disclosed. In yet another embodiment, theframe may be constructed of a plurality of tubes as previouslydiscussed. The fuel tank may comprise one or more enlarged sections ofthe tubes forming the frame of the vehicle. As such, the fuel may bestored in the fuel tank and/or within hollow sections of the frame asdesired. In one embodiment, the frame includes at least one hollowsection and the fuel tank is in fluid communication with the at leastone hollow section of the frame such that the fuel tank and the at leastone hollow section cooperate to store fuel for the vehicle. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, the hollow section of the frame may include oneof the pair of lower frame tubes 4,5, and the lower frame tube mayfurther include a port configured to receive a fuel line to transferfuel from the lower frame tube to the engine.

In some embodiments, the steering head 3 of the frame is connected tothe lower frame rails 4,5 by tubes extending diagonally downwardly fromthe steering head to form the triangular front portion of the frame. Afuel tank may be affixed between the diagonally extending tubes usingconventional fastening techniques for securing a fuel tank to a vehicleframe. In this embodiment, a preexisting frame may be modified tointegrate a fuel tank in the front portion of the frame to allow forrefueling the vehicle without displacing the vehicle's rider.

In various embodiments, the ridden vehicle includes an internalcombustion engine secured to the frame. In some embodiments, theinternal combustion engine may be secured to the rear portion of theframe. In some embodiments, the internal combustion engine provides thedrive for the vehicle, such as by powering one or more drive wheels ofthe vehicle to move the vehicle. The internal combustion engine may havea displacement of at least 100 cubic centimeters, at least 150 cubiccentimeters, or more, as desired, depending upon the weight and otherrequirements of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the internalcombustion engine may have a displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or500 cubic centimeters. As discussed further below, the internalcombustion engine may be used to drive a generator to generateelectricity which is then used to drive an electric motor that turns thedrive wheel of the vehicle. In such embodiments, a smaller engine may beused. Fuel from the fuel tank must be transferred to the internalcombustion engine.

As previously discussed, the fuel tank may include a hollow structureconnecting the steering head 3 to the lower frame tubes 4,5. In someembodiments, the hollow structure forming the fuel tank may opendirectly into one of the lower frame tubes, such as tube 4, allowingfuel to flow from the tank through the lower frame tube to the engine inthe rear portion of the frame. In this manner, the lower frame tube,such as tube 4, provides additional fuel storage capacity and forms aportion of the integrated fuel tank. The integrated fuel tank may thusbe understood as the space in which fuel may be stored regardless ofwhat other purpose or purposes the component holding the fuel may serve.In an embodiment, the lower frame tube may have a port or connectionconfigured to receive a fuel line connecting the lower frame tubecarrying the fuel to the internal combustion engine. Alternatively, thelower frame tube may have a port configured to directly supply fuel fromthe tube to the engine without the use of a separate fuel line furtherreducing the number of components in the vehicle assembly.

In other embodiments, the fuel tank 2 may have a port or connectionconfigured to receive a fuel line, and the fuel line may extend from thefuel tank along at least a portion of the frame to the engine. A fuelline may be secured to one of the lower frame tubes as necessary. In yetanother embodiment, the frame may provide protection for a fuel lineextending through one of the lower frame tubes. In one example, a fuelline may exit the fuel tank disposed in the front portion of the frameand enter one of the lower frame tubes through an opening near the frontportion of the frame. The fuel line may extend through the lower frametube such that the tube protects the fuel line from damage as may becaused by road debris. The fuel line may exit the lower frame tubethrough an opening in the rear portion of the frame and extend to theinternal combustion engine.

In some embodiments, the position of the fuel tank in the front portionof the frame reduces the airflow reaching the engine as the vehiclemoves. In such embodiments, the engine may be provided with air inletspositioned to capture air flowing around or under the fuel tank so as tomaintain a desired air flow to the engine for cooling. In yet otherembodiments, the fuel tank may be provided with an aperture extendingthrough the fuel tank in the direction of travel of the ridden vehiclesuch that air may pass through the aperture and flow to the engine. Aswill be appreciated, the fuel tank may be configured in a variety ofshapes to accommodate air flow requirements and provide anaerodynamically desirable configuration for the vehicle.

As previously noted, the internal combustion engine may be used to drivea generator to generate electricity for an electric motor, and/or chargethe rechargeable battery.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a ridden vehicle, in particulara motorized scooter, with its front fairing and other coveringspartially removed. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of amotorized scooter is illustrated, which includes a rechargeable batteryconfigured to be recharged by an internal combustion engine to power agenerator adapted to power an electric motor electrically connected tothe rechargeable battery and configured to provide a drive for theridden vehicle by powering at least the rear wheel of the scooter. Asshown, the motorized scooter vehicle 10 includes a seating area 12, astorage area 13 under the seating area, a footboard 14, and a frontfairing 15. The rechargeable battery 18 is disposed underneath footboard14 between lower frame rails 16,17. The rechargeable battery 18 may be alithium-ion battery, however, other battery chemistries may also beused. Operation of the rechargeable battery and electric motor may bemanaged by an electronic controller 19. In one configuration, theelectronic controller 19 may be positioned centrally behind the rider'sleg position to avoid interfering with the rider during operation of theridden vehicle. The electric motor 20 is secured to the rear portion ofthe frame. As illustrated, the electric motor 20 may be bolted to avertical section of the frame, and an internal combustion engine 21 andgenerator 22 or alternator may also be secured to the frame above theelectric motor. The position and orientation of the electric motor andinternal combustion engine may be selected to balance the weightdistribution on the vehicle and to conform to the desired dimensions ofthe assembled vehicle. The ridden vehicle also includes a fuel tank 23to store fuel for the internal combustion engine. The fuel tank 23 maybe supported or integrated into the front portion of the frame beneaththe steering head and behind front fairing 15 as previously discussed.The fuel tank also includes a filler tube 24 which extends through thefront fairing 15 communicating with the fuel tank for refueling the fueltank without displacing the vehicle's rider. In some embodiments, asshown, the filler tube communicating with the fuel tank may be disposedin the vehicle to provide an entrance to the fuel tank in front of thesteering head.

During operation, the ridden vehicle being a motorized scooter,illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, is operated by the electric motor 20drawing power from the battery 18. In one embodiment, the charge levelof the battery 18 is monitored. When the charge level of the batteryfalls below a predetermined charge level, such as 25%, 50% or 60% offull charge, the electronic controller activates the internal combustionengine 21 to power a generator recharging the battery. In otherembodiments, the electronic controller may activate the internalcombustion engine based upon a monitored condition of the rechargeablebattery, such as the rate of discharge or load applied to therechargeable battery. In this manner, the internal combustion engine maybe activated and deactivated to maintain the desired charge level in thebattery or to provide additional power under high load conditions, suchas rapid acceleration or traveling up a steep hill. The internalcombustion engine 21 powers a generator to recharge the battery 18 andas such may be operated at a substantially constant speed to optimizethe generator output with minimum fuel consumption. In an embodiment, asubstantially constant speed of operation is understood by those ofskill in the art as distinguished from a variable speed operation, andentails control of the engine to a determined operating condition. Insome embodiments, the internal combustion engine is operated at a powersetting that yields the engine's minimum brake specific fuelconsumption. For recharging the rechargeable battery, a smaller internalcombustion engine may be utilized on the ridden vehicle, such as aninternal combustion engine having a displacement of no more than 500cubic centimeters, or between 50 and 190 cubic centimeters, or in excessof 500 cubic centimeters, as desired. In one embodiment, a 35 cubiccentimeter displacement internal combustion engine provides adequateelectrical power generation for a motorized scooter application. Oncethe battery 18 is recharged to a predetermined charge level, such as95%, 98% or 100% of full charge, the internal combustion engine is shutdown and the vehicle operates solely on the electric motor and batteryas previously discussed. The vehicle rider may select the power outputof the electric motor using a throttle to control the vehicle's speed.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a ridden vehicle being amotorcycle 40, having a hybrid drive system. The motorcycle 40 includesa hybrid drive system comprising an electric motor assembly 41, aninternal combustion engine 42, generator 43, and a rechargeable battery44. The internal combustion engine 42 may be used as a motor to power agenerator 43 adapted to generate electricity for the electric motor 41and/or rechargeable battery 44. The internal combustion engine 42,electric motor assembly 41, and rechargeable battery 44 may form anintegrated drive system for a hybrid motorcycle 40, configured to beinstalled and removed as a single unit. In other embodiments, theinternal combustion engine 42, generator, electric motor assembly 41 andthe rechargeable battery 44 may be separate components, configured to beinstalled and removed separately.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the motorcycle has at least one seat 48,attached to a frame 49. Also attached to the frame 49 is an internalcombustion engine 42, generator 43, an electric motor assembly 41 and arechargeable battery 44. The motorcycle 40 also has two wheels, 46 and47. The axle 50 of the rear wheel 46 comprises a sprocket 51, fixedlyengaged to the axle 50. The output shaft 52 of the motor assembly 41also has a sprocket 53 fixedly engaged to the motor assembly outputshaft 52. A drive chain or belt 54 is disposed between the wheel axlesprocket 51 and the motor assembly output shaft sprocket 53, such thatthe chain or belt 54 operatively engages the two sprockets 51 and 53.The chain or belt 54 transmits the power produced from the motorassembly 41, to the rear wheel 46. In some embodiments, a chaintensioner 55 (or belt tensioner) may be disposed on the motorcycle 40 toimpart a tension on the chain, or belt, 54. The tension on the chain, orbelt, 54 ensures that the chain or belt maintains sufficient tractionwith the two sprockets 51, 53 as the rear wheel 46 moves up and downwith the changing ground conditions. The movement of the rear wheel 46changing the distance between the motor sprocket 53 and the rear axlesprocket 51. In other embodiments, the swing arm 56, which supports therear wheel 46 and the suspension, may be pivotably attached to themotorcycle 40 such that the pivot point of the swing arm 56 is alignedwith the output shaft of the electric motor assembly 41. In suchembodiments, as the rear wheel 46 moves up and down with changing groundconditions the distance between the rear axle sprocket 51 and the motorassembly sprocket 53 remains substantially constant, therefore, forgoingthe requirement for a chain, or belt, tensioner.

The internal combustion engine 42, generator 43, electric motor 41 andthe rechargeable battery 44 may be arranged in parallel electricalconnection with each other. In this manner electricity may be suppliedto the electric motor 41 by either the rechargeable battery 44 and/orthe internal combustion engine 42. The internal combustion engine 42 maybe configured to an optimal operating condition to drive the generator43 to provide electricity to the rechargeable battery 44 to charge therechargeable battery 44.

To maintain a motorcycle 40 at motorway speeds requires less power fromthe motor assembly 41 than when the motorcycle 40 is accelerating ortravelling at very high speeds. The internal combustion engine 42 andgenerator 43 may be configured to provide sufficient electrical power tothe electric motor assembly 41, and/or battery 44, to maintain themotorcycle at highway speeds while also providing electricity to therechargeable battery 44 to recharge the rechargeable battery 44. Whenthe rider wishes to accelerate or travel at high speeds the rechargeablebattery 44 may be adapted to provide the required increase in electricalcharge to the electric motor assembly 41 necessary to propel themotorcycle 40 at higher speeds or accelerate the motorcycle. When therider decelerates or travels at certain speeds the internal combustionengine 42 and the generator 43 may be configured to provide sufficientelectrical power to the motor 41, while also providing sufficientelectrical charge to simultaneously recharge the rechargeable battery44. In some embodiments, the internal combustion engine 42 and generator43 may provide electrical charge to the electric motor 41 through therechargeable battery 44. In other embodiments, the electrical charge maybe provided directly to the electric motor 41.

The rechargeable battery 44 may be disposed within the frame 49 of themotorcycle 40. Additionally, or in the alternative, embodiments theelectric motor assembly 41, the internal combustion engine 42, andgenerator 43, may be stacked below the seat of the motorcycle 40. Insome embodiments, the internal combustion engine is positioned above theelectric motor. To reduce the center of gravity the rechargeable battery44 may be positioned at a lower point within the frame 49 of themotorcycle 40. The battery 44 may be a lithium-ion battery; howeverother battery chemistries may be used in the alternative. Operation ofthe rechargeable battery 44 may be controlled by an electroniccontroller 45. The electronic controller 45 may be the motorcycle'scentral computer, or it may be a stand-alone system, specificallyconfigured to control the operation of the rechargeable battery 44. Theelectronic controller 45 may also be configured to control the operationof the internal combustion engine 42 and the electric motor assembly 41.

The presently disclosed ridden vehicle in form of a motorcycle may becapable of having electric motors 41 producing in excess of 200horsepower while having improved fuel efficiency due to the internalcombustion engine 42 optimized to drive a generator 43 to generateelectricity to charge the rechargeable battery 44. In some embodiments,the internal combustion engine may be configured to operate at a desiredsingle speed, or a desired set of speeds, for maximum efficiency. Inother embodiments, the electric motor assembly 41 may be configured toproduce in excess of 400 horse power.

The motorcycle 40 may also comprise a fuel tank. The fuel tank may besupported by or disposed within the frame 49 such that the frame 49 ofthe motorcycle 40 houses the fuel for the internal combustion engine 42.A fuel line may connect the frame 49 housing the fuel to the internalcombustion engine 42, or the frame, housing the fuel, may be configuredto be directly connected to the fuel intake valve of the internalcombustion engine 42. In some embodiments, the motorcycle 40 maycomprise a fuel tank located on top of the frame 49 forward of the seat48 as with traditional motorcycles. In other embodiments, the fuel tankmay be disposed within the confines of the frame 49 to provide fuel tothe internal combustion engine 42. The motorcycle 40 having a hybriddrive system, comprising an electric motor assembly 41, an internalcombustion engine 42, a generator 43, and a rechargeable battery 44,would typically comprise an internal combustion engine 42 of smallersize than a conventional motorcycle powered solely by an internalcombustion engine. A smaller engine requires less fuel, therefore, thepresently disclosed hybrid motorcycle 40 typically comprises a fuel tankhaving a reduced capacity compared to conventional motorcycles. In otherembodiments, the fuel tank may provide torsional support for the frame49.

In some embodiments, during operation, the motorcycle 40 illustrated inFIG. 4 is operated by the electric motor 41 drawing electricity from therechargeable battery 44. In embodiments, the charge level of the battery44 is monitored. When the charge level of the battery falls below apredetermined charge level, for example 25%, 50%, or 75% of full charge,or any desired level of charge, the electronic controller 45 activatesthe internal combustion engine 42 to drive the generator 43 adapted toprovide electrical charge to recharge the rechargeable battery 44. Inother embodiments, the electronic controller 45 may activate theinternal combustion engine based upon a monitored condition of therechargeable battery 44, such as the rate of discharge or load appliedto the rechargeable battery 44. In this manner, the control of theinternal combustion engine may be activated and deactivated to maintainthe desired charge level in the battery 44 or to provide additionalpower under high load conditions, such as rapid acceleration ortravelling up a steep hill or at high speed.

The internal combustion engine 42 and generator 43 are operated torecharge the battery 44, and as such, may be operated at a substantiallyconstant speed to optimize the generated output with minimum fuelconsumption. A substantially constant speed operation may bedistinguished from a variable speed operation, and entails control ofthe engine to a determined operating condition. In some embodiments, theinternal combustion engine is operated at a power setting that yieldsthe engine's minimum brake specific fuel consumption. Once the battery44 is charged to a predetermined level, for example, 95%, 98%, or 100%of full charge, the internal combustion engine 42 may be shut down andthe ridden vehicle may operate solely with the battery 44 providing allof the electric power to the electric motor assembly 41.

In other embodiments, the internal combustion engine 42 may becontrolled to maintain operation of the engine in an efficiency rangefor the engine unless additional electric power is desired to operatethe motorcycle. In such embodiments, if additional electric power isdesired to operate the motorcycle the internal combustion engine 42 maybe operated to produce more electrical energy, such as by increasing therotational speed of the internal combustion engine 42 to provideincreased power to drive the generator 43. Under certain conditions, asdesired, electrical power may be provided to the electric motor from theinternal combustion engine 42 and generator 43, as well as therechargeable battery 44. During operation the rider may select the poweroutput of the electric motor assembly 41 using a throttle to control thevehicle's speed and acceleration.

In some embodiments, the ridden vehicle being a motorcycle, asillustrated, may be capable of being powered solely by the electricityproduced by the internal combustion engine 42 and generator 43. However,when the rechargeable battery is depleted, the internal combustionengine may function as a range extender for the motorcycle, allowing,for operation of the motorcycle, if at somewhat reduced performance,thus allowing the rider to travel home or to a maintenance control ifthe battery should malfunction or run out of charge.

Other methods of charging the vehicle battery, of any of theaforementioned vehicles, may also be employed. The vehicle may have anelectrical connector configured to recharge the battery from an externalelectrical source, such as a generator or utility power. The vehicle mayinclude an AC/DC converter allowing the vehicle to be charged from astandard alternating current source; however, in other embodiments, anAC/DC converter may be required to provide the necessary chargingvoltage to the battery.

In other embodiments, the decision to start or stop the internalcombustion engine to recharge the battery may be based upon a measuredrate of change of the charge level of the battery or on other operatingparameters of the battery. The internal combustion engine may also beactivated by the rider to recharge the battery even if the predeterminedcharge condition has not been reached. In some embodiments, the internalcombustion engine 42 and generator 43 will recharge the battery 44during operation of the ridden vehicle provided that the generatoroutput exceeds the load on the battery. If the generator output does notexceed the load on the battery the rate of depletion of the battery willbe reduced and the battery recharged when the load is reduced, such aswhen the ridden vehicle stops or when the throttle setting is reduced.As a result, the electric motor may at times be powered solely by thebattery, solely by the internal combustion engine and generator, or byboth the battery and generator depending upon the operating conditionsof the vehicle. The terms “generator” and “alternator” are usedinterchangeably herein (however, it is recognized that one term or theother may be more appropriate depending on the application).

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not different from the literal language of the claims,or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A motorized ridden vehicle comprising: at leastone seat and at least two wheels; an electric motor adapted to drive atleast one of the wheels of the ridden vehicle; at least one rechargeablebattery electrically connected to the electric motor and adapted topower the electric motor; a generator adapted to charge the rechargeablebattery; an internal combustion engine adapted to drive the generator;and an electronic controller adapted to control operation of theinternal combustion engine based upon monitoring a condition of therechargeable battery.
 2. The motorized ridden vehicle as claimed inclaim 1 where the internal combustion engine is controlled to maintainoperation of the engine in an efficiency range for the engine.
 3. Themotorized ridden vehicle as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: anelectronic controller adapted to start the internal combustion enginebased upon a charge level of the rechargeable battery.
 4. The motorizedridden vehicle as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: an electroniccontroller adapted to start the internal combustion engine based upon arate of discharge of the rechargeable battery.
 5. The motorized riddenvehicle as claimed in claim 1 where the electric motor and the internalcombustion engine are stacked below the seat of the motorcycle.
 6. Themotorized ridden vehicle as claimed in claim 5 where the internalcombustion engine is positioned above the electric motor.
 7. Themotorized ridden vehicle as claimed in claim 5 where the rechargeablebattery is positioned below the seat of the motorcycle.
 8. The motorizedridden vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fuel tankintegrated with the frame and adapted to store fuel for operation of theengine.
 9. The motorized ridden vehicle as claimed in claim 1, where theframe further comprises at least one tubular portion housing a fuel lineextending from the fuel tank through the at least one tubular portion tothe engine.
 10. The motorized ridden vehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherethe fuel tank is integrated into the frame such that the frame housesthe fuel for the internal combustion engine.
 11. The motorized riddenvehicle as claimed in claim 8, where the fuel storage capacity of theintegrated fuel tank is between 1 and 15 liters.
 12. The motorizedridden vehicle as claimed in claim 1, where the electric motor iscapable of producing in excess of 200 horse power.
 13. The motorizedridden vehicle as claimed in claim 1, where the internal combustionengine has a displacement in excess of 300 cubic centimeters.
 14. Amotorcycle comprising: a seat adapted to support at least one rider; aframe adapted to support the seat and the engine during operation of themotorcycle, the frame comprising a front frame portion having a steeringhead, a rear frame portion adapted to support the seat and the engine,and a connecting frame portion connecting the front frame portion andthe rear frame portion and to support a foot rest for a rider; anelectric motor positioned below the seat and adapted to drive at leastone wheel of the motorcycle; at least one rechargeable batteryelectrically connected to the electric motor and adapted to power to theelectric motor; a generator adapted to charge the rechargeablebatteries; an internal combustion engine adapted to drive the generator;and, a fuel tank integrated with the frame and adapted to store fuel foroperation of the generator.
 15. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 14comprising in addition an electronic controller adapted to controloperation of the internal combustion engine based upon monitoring acondition of the rechargeable battery.
 16. The motorcycle as claimed inclaim 14 the generator is controlled to maintain operation of theinternal combustion engine in an efficiency range for the internalcombustion engine.
 17. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 14 where theelectric motor and the internal combustion engine are stacked below theseat of the motorcycle.
 18. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 17 wherethe internal combustion engine is positioned above the electric motor.19. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 14 where the rechargeable batteryis positioned below the seat of the motorcycle.
 20. The motorcycle asclaimed in claim 14, where the fuel storage capacity of the integratedfuel tank is between 2 and 15 liters.